Clearing iPod content for new user

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Clearing iPod content for new user

A few years ago, my aunt gave me one of her old iPods. It is formatted for Windows, but I have a Macintosh. So, I never connected the iPod to my computer, but just used my aunt's computer to transfer new music to the iPod. When my aunt gave me her iPod, she left all of her songs and playlists on it, and I never deleted them. Also, whenever I wanted to update the content of the iPod, I would only do it through my aunt's computer so the only computer that the iPod recognises is hers.

Now, I have a new iPod and no longer need the one that my aunt gave me. I would like to clear all content off of the old iPod and give it to my friend so that he can have it. How would I go about doing this? Also, my friend does not have access to a computer. If I were to create a new account for him within my computer, so that he could have a separate iTunes library for his use, what would happen when he connected the (Windows formatted) iPod to my Macintosh?

Since I would be creating an entire new user account for him on my Macintosh, nothing bad would happen if I were to go onto my own user account and use my new iPod, correct?

Sorry if there are any parts of this post that are unclear. I'm trying to do something nice by giving my friend an iPod that I no longer need, but I don't want either of the iPods to suddenly become unrecognizable by iTunes or become unable to be used, etc. I read through some of the posts here to try and find the answers that I need, but was unable to find one that was completely applicable to my situation, so, I apologize if I am being repetitive, but I appreciate the help!

Sarah

Posted on Oct 13, 2008 8:25 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Zevoneer

Level 9

52,705 points

Oct 13, 2008 9:29 AM in response to Sarah Szczerbiak

*I would like to clear all content off of the old iPod and give it to my friend so that he can have it. How would I go about doing this*

Restore the iPod. Restoring will erase the iPod's hard drive, reload the software and put it back to default settings (as it is Windows formatted restoring on your Mac will also reformat the iPod with the Mac file system). Once the restore is complete follow the on screen instructions to name the iPod and automatically sync your songs and videos onto the fresh installation, uncheck the box beside the sync automatically instruction and press Done, it will default to manual mode and your friend can choose whatever setting he likes: Restoring iPod to factory settings with iTunes

*If I were to create a new account for him within my computer, so that he could have a separate iTunes library for his use, what would happen when he connected the (Windows formatted) iPod to my Macintosh?*

Macs can read Windows formatting so the iPod would connect so he could use it, however if you restore it on your Mac it'll be Mac formatted.

*Since I would be creating an entire new user account for him on my Macintosh, nothing bad would happen if I were to go onto my own user account and use my new iPod, correct?*

Correct, you'd simply be connecting as usual to your own iTunes library. Different accounts by definition would give you completely separate libraries. Each account has it's own iTunes folder, Library and iTunes Music folder and you load it with CDs etc just as you did with your original one. The iPod can be set to update however the owner chooses, sync all, manual or sync specific playlists

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Answer 2

Oct 13, 2008 1:18 PM in response to Sarah Szczerbiak

Thank you so much for your helpful reply!

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